Reacting to LES MISÉRABLES in Concert | The Sensational 2020 Live Recording

[@ajmalaika1287]

"There are notes gentlemen let work together and find them" HAHAHAHAHA great reaction video

[@laurenconrad1799]

“You can never have enough cast recordings of Les Mis.” True that!! 🤣

[@carlenet9280]

I loved nearly everything about this recording, except for Michael Ball's consistent backphrasing. I feel like as the serious officer that Javert is, singing on the beat is more uniform and in line with the character of a police officer who probably lives systematically and enforces the law. Then the backphrasing could've been saved when he was more emotionally compromised when he was, you know, jumping off a bridge and killing himself. As far as my favorite modern JVJ and and Javert duo, my favorite casting has to be John Owen-Jones and Earl Carpenter. Their "Confrontation" is THE best I've heard in all my years of loving Les Mis. You should react to other recordings of past Les Miz recordings. I loved this video! Subscribed!

[@lordyeetus6317]

Agree with you on your take on Michael Ball's Javert. On a tangential note, have you heard Jeremy Secomb sing Javert? Very straight-toned and intimidating, I was very impressed.

[@carriew5106]

I've always found Javert the most interesting character and I think you hit it perfectly on when the backphrasing is suitable. In professional theatre I agree on JOJ and Earl. Although the best confrontation I've ever seen was an amateur production almost 20 years ago by a local youth theatre group. The leads were both 17 and I couldn't believe that neither were professionally trained.

[@Bubsyboo72]

I too am a Les Mis super-fan. Went to see this version of the show and was sat in a box right by the stage. It was so close it was like being on the stage itself... there were certainly moments when I thought Michael Ball might spit in my face. Honestly, the man lost so much hydration I'm surprised he didn't look like a raisin at the end of it. Absolutely banging, though and one of my fave Les Mis experiences.

[@davidlylejones]

“There are notes here, Michael.” 🤣

[@ElieMorrison]

6:01 - Gavroche’s lyrics in the Paris number were revised circa 2014 Broadway. They took lyrics from the second half of Gavroche’s second verse in the movie and made them the second half of his first verse in the stage musical. [Original Broadway lyrics] Gavroche’s first verse: 'Ow do you do? My name's Gavroche. These are my people. Here's my patch. Not much to look at, nothing posh Nothing that you'd call up to scratch. This is my school, my high society Here in the slums of Saint Michele We live on crumbs of humble piety Tough on the teeth, but what the hell! Think you're poor? Think you're free? Follow me! Follow me! Gavroche’s second verse: Watch out for old Thenardier All of his family's on the make Once ran a hash-house down the way Bit of a swine and no mistake He's got a gang The bleeding layabout Even his daughter does her share That's Eponine, she knows her way about Only a kid, but hard to scare Do we care? Not a cuss Long live us. Long live us! [Movie version] Gavroche’s first verse (same as original Broadway lyrics): How do you do? My name's Gavroche These are the people, here's my patch Not much to look at, nothing posh Nothing that you'd call up to scratch This is my school, my high society Here in the slums of Saint Michel We live on crumbs of humble piety Tough on the teeth, but what the hell Think you're poor? Think you're free? Follow me, follow me! Gavroche’s second verse (new lyrics): There was a time we killed the king We tried to change the world too fast Now we have got another king He is no better than the last **This is the land that fought for liberty Now when we fight, we fight for bread Here is the thing about equality Everyone's equal when they're dead Take your place, take your chance Vive la France, vive la France!** [Broadway 2014 and productions thereafter] Gavroche’s first verse (with lyrics from the Gavroche’s second verse in the movie - now replacing the second half of the first verse on stage): 'Ow do you do? My name's Gavroche. These are my people. Here's my patch. Not much to look at, nothing posh Nothing that you'd call up to scratch. **This is the land that fought for liberty Now when we fight, we fight for bread Here is the thing about equality Everyone's equal when they're dead Take your place, take your chance Vive la France, vive la France!** Gavroche’s second verse (same as original Broadway lyrics): Watch out for old Thenardier All of his family's on the make Once ran a hash-house down the way Bit of a swine and no mistake He's got a gang The bleeding layabout Even his daughter does her share That's Eponine, she knows her way about Only a kid, but hard to scare Do we care? Not a cuss Long live us. Long live us!

[@sandygilbert1283]

Bradley Jaden my favourite Enjolras ever and Rob Houchen my Favourite Marius ..empty chairs sublime and that little tear when you watch the DVD!!

[@alicebarlow3736]

"The best transition in the history of the world" - me- yes to that! "Me waiting for covid updates" just brilliant, do you hear the people sing reprise- best moment in musical theatre? Quite possibly?

[@Nargon46]

This show will never ever ever stop making me cry like a little baby every dang time

[@disaidra]

I love Michael Ball and I'm glad he got to play Javert just to tick it off his sheet, but you're right, he's completely wrong for the role

[@lina_t_k]

It is scary how relatable all these reactions are

[@rosies14]

"One day more"......... "This is a mess". Great reviews and totally agree with you Empty Chairs at Empty Tables the best recording I have every heard.

[@willuff4841]

I would love to have your commentary whenever I watch a musical lol!

[@islanangle1404]

This is hilarious!!!!! And I'm Ja-cher! 😂😂😂😂😂😂 (Please do Phantom 25 next!!)

[@christopheryoung4563]

Mickey: give me that intro Advert plays into to Fame. Perfect timing KZbin

[@yoyoeldas]

I watched the video concert and the loud hailer guy during the Final Battle looks like he's having a meltdown xd (it was unintentionally hilarious)

[@richardmarkfielding]

I never thought I could enjoy Les Mis any more.

[@joshuagrotheer3589]

"but in Les Mis nothing is too long" Patti LuPone

[@beltingtokra]

She can't stand anymore because she's been shot 😥 also is this basically like the complete symphonic recording, like every note of the show? Your reaction is wonderful 😃

[@DeixaIssoPraLa]

I wish they recorded the current cast, with Jon Robyns as JVJ. He is honestly amazing, I'm a huge fan!

[@HelloBroadway]

I look forward to see Les Miz one day... As a french man is such a shame I haven't seen it yet...

[@samuelblachon95130]

Moi aussi

[@thomaslowdon5510]

Its been on 35yrs and you havent seen it yet ?,,,,?

[@samuelblachon95130]

@@thomaslowdon5510 my mom Saw the verry first cast in paris

[@thomaslowdon5510]

@@samuelblachon95130 and you ? How long will you wait. My 1st tine october 1985 Barbican theatre london and many times since then lm totally adicted even now .. l have every DVD and piece of music ...

[@samuelblachon95130]

@@thomaslowdon5510 i only Saw the Movie and when i saw the Movie i was too young to Travel to london i can't Wait to be back to London and les mis Will be one of the first musical i will see

[@matpat1]

finally someone who agrees Michael Ball SUCKED in this. and all the shade you threw wooo, new fave video

[@whatsinaname1709]

I agree. Like, I hate to say it, but it feels kinda like stunt casting? His characterisation was way off for me never mind the vocals.

[@matpat1]

@@whatsinaname1709 it totally was! he’s cameron’s favorite

[@kyletristanrobert8207]

Freaking love your videos my guy!

[@MickeyJoTheatre]

Thank you so much!

[@pillowmachine2]

Spat my tea out. “Give me that introduction” cuts to ad haha

[@Moundfreek]

"The stage is turning........Enjolras!!" Sad laughing.

[@williamfairchild7439]

I do like listening to the Les Misérables The Staged Concert 2019 Live Recording on CD and Apple Music I saw it with Michael Ball, Alfie Boe, Matt Lucas, Rob Houchen, Bradley Jaden and Shan Ako at the Gielgud Theatre in London on Saturday 5th October 2019 and it was amazing

[@beaklassy8845]

I absolutely love your videos - such entertainment, always make me laugh out loud & smile .. keep them coming - truly awesome !! .. x

[@PS-DLMA]

Out of the 3 concerts of Les Miz (10th & 25th & this) i found Carrie Hope Fletcher the most raw

[@jamesoniris2647]

I loved playing Grantaire in a community production, because I forcefully shoved gay subtext between him and Enjolras.

[@RhettRicardo03]

React to the Complete Symphonic Recording version of Les Mis

[@exterminateexterminate9751]

the rhythm tat michael ball did in the porlouge was actually traditional but it has been morphed and chnaged over the history of the show haha

[@ElieMorrison]

5:23 - Dr. Mickey-Jo to the rescue here, “open your mouth!” 😅

[@marksimpkin187]

The scream is Shan’s now

[@user-zl7mu4wh1f]

I love those cushions!!!

[@graceevanzx]

what was the warm up for this? CRACK? 😭😭

[@thatone_englishnerd]

DEEAAAAAATH!!!!! MOOOOREEE DEEEEAAAATH!!!!!!

[@annacairns]

Michael Ball has been Marius JVJ and now Javert. Not a fan of Alfie. Stephen Brooker over saw this production. And he’s a task master. Love this recording. At least when this was recorded Alfie didn’t break character like the anniversary version. I was expecting John Owen Jones as JVJ for this and when they filmed it live. Glad he came on at the end. Sorry just my opinion. Nail’s accent is quite strong, didn’t realise when I watched it on stage.

[@carriew5106]

I deliberately got tickets to see JOJ, I think he is better than Alfie. I think JOJ is seriously underrated in so many of the shows he has been in.

[@katiemorrill4318]

on the note about Empty Chairs being the best recording ever, I think you should listen to Hadley Fraser and Ramin Karimloo who did a duet of that song at the Palladium. It's on KZbin.

[@rosies14]

I have done and still prefer Rob Houchen, love Ramin as Enjolras though

[@ilsaruthen5478]

Michael Ball will always be Marius for me and his solo performance of Empty Chairs is my personal favorite. That said, Ramin and Hadley's duet gives the song a new dimension that it doesn't have in the show. Their harmonies are so good they give me chills. Just glorious!

[@CymruEmergencyResponder]

Michael Ball has a habit of winding me up. Norm Lewis should have sung Javert for this.

[@tomsautocadstudio6446]

you should react to the movie exclusive song suddenly

[@Shahowhunter]

Back in 2019 my regional hometown in VIC Australia the local society performed this. My last musical to perform in and what a better way to end my time on stage than that.

[@ElieMorrison]

After this production, they changed one of Thenardier’s lyrics in Beggars at the Feast. Original lyrics: Here comes a prince/there goes a Jew/This one’s a queer/*but what can you do* 2023 US tour: Here comes a prince/there goes a Jew/This one’s a queer/*I might try it to* 2023 west end: Something about quiche, someone please clue me in. In any event, I didn’t think the original lyric was problematic. Seems like an unnecessary change. Feel free to leave your comments about this.

[@cloudambient]

WHERE did you get that pillow??

[@islanangle1404]

I have a question about the staged concert. Is it just a performance of the songs like the 25th anniversary or is there acting and dancing and stuff? Please I'm really confused

[@yoyoeldas]

It's somewhat similar to the 25th Anniversary concert-performers in costumes stand in front of mics. But there is still minor blocking and stage lighting and effects.

[@islanangle1404]

@@yoyoeldas Thank you. What about bits of the play like Lovely Ladies? Do they dance at all? And what about the runaway cart? What happens there? And sorry, one last question, when the characters are talking to each other, do they even look at each other or do they just sing into the mic?

[@yoyoeldas]

@@islanangle1404 For Lovely Ladies they only dance a little. There's no choreography, just the prostitutes doing waving their hands and shaking their hips on the spot, in front of mics. For the Runaway Cart, it's similar to what's done in the 10th and 25th anniversary--there's orchestra, lighting, and a little bit of projection. The ensemble parts are omitted. In general when the characters talk to each other, they dont really look at each other. They all face the audience from behind their mics.

[@yoyoeldas]

@@islanangle1404 I believe the DVD of the concert should be available--you can check it out!

[@islanangle1404]

@@yoyoeldas I will, thanks

[@xavierbrown8844]

ommggg u literally look like noah galvin

[@danielrobinson7350]

Liked lots of it, but Michael Ball as Javert is just meh.

[@lordyeetus6317]

Agreed - just, blah. I appreciate his attempts to roughen his voice for the character, but I just don't think his low range is solid enough to be intimidating.

[@allisonbergh4429]

I’d go one farther and say it’s actively pretty bad

[@rosies14]

I love Michael Ball but I really felt he spoilt 'one more day' he just drown out the other harmonies. Its a little chaotic anyway but he needed to stand back a bit.

[@ilsaruthen5478]

Just found your channel and really enjoy your reactions, but why do you not play the music loud enough for us to hear? Copyright issues? Also, would love to hear your take on Nick Jonas' Marius.

[@MickeyJoTheatre]

You'd be exactly right, if the music is any louder then the video will be pulled for copyright infringement, that's why I tend to keep the clips short and quiet while still trying to keep them audible. My thoughts on Nick as Marius are probably exactly what you'd expect 😉

[@angelawhitehouse8066]

I'm curious about what you think of the musical massacre that was the film?

[@MickeyJoTheatre]

I enjoy elements of its adaptation and I broadly support the live vocal approach, unfortunately I'm not a big fan of much of the casting, starting with Hugh Jackman as Valjean. Mostly the only performances I really enjoyed came from the 'theatre' alumni in the cast.

[@bookemdano7567]

Les Mis is my favorite musical of all time, so I am very critical of it. This recording is good at best. The orchestrations are great, but, there’s way too much over singing for my taste. Too many words being shouted instead of being sung and I find this recording difficult to sing to. The pacing is so off to me. The new staging is horrible and if you were Enjolras, we wouldn’t see the spin to your death scene. You end up a dead body on a cart, now. Sad. I will stick to my memories of this show pre 1995 before the 15 minutes of edits and I’ll stick to the recordings of the 80’s and early 90’s as a better representation of the show I love.

[@walterwhite4862]

What do you think of the Complete Symphonic Recording? Do you have a favorite?

[@bookemdano7567]

@@walterwhite4862… I do enjoy the complete symphonic recording because it’s the full show with the original orchestrations without the edits. My only problem with it is, I’m not a fan of the singing of Fantine or Eponine. Debra Byrne’s voice has too much vibrato for my taste and Kaho Shimada does a great job for not knowing any English (and I enjoy her in the original Japanese recording singing in her own language), but, I would have preferred Frances Ruffelle or Linzi Hateley who was in the video, Les Miserables Stage By Stage, about the stage show and the recording of the complete symphonic recording, as Eponine.

[@johnnynotty]

Hi. Which recorded version of the show is the best to watch please? I find the concert version confusing.

[@danielrobinson7350]

Depends how well you know the story. The 10th anniversary has iconic performances but relies on you already knowing the plot. The 25th anniversary fills things in more, but you have to put up with Nick Jonas as Marius. Les Mis needs a pro-shot, in the style of Hamilton or Come From Away.

[@lillianward2810]

I got to see this live with John Owen Jones and honestly it was one of the most phenomenal theatre experiences of my life.

[@alancraig9763]

When I went to see it I picked John Owen Jones as Jean valjean. I've seen them both and I think he's got a better voice.

[@secretmindtwin]

Which of the les mis concerts do you think nailed it the best?

[@colpizza679]

where is the recording?

[@GordonHorneOfficial]

Should have been John Owen-Jones and Earl Carpenter on this recording. I know they're on the 2010 recording, but they're better vocalists than Boe and Ball...

[@colonyofrats4193]

earl carpenter is on this recording just not as Javert

[@carriew5106]

JOJ is a better JVJ. Saw the concert live twice so I could see Alfie and JOJ and John was better.

[@cloudambient]

Hahaha 13:23 ... SAME.

[@falkon26]

Personally the 10th anniversary Les Miserable concert and soundtrack is better.

[@colonyofrats4193]

I think vocally I agree with you but the orchestra on this recording is unmatched

[@geo3898]

The 10th anniversary is the absolute best

[@_beau.mont_4381]

If this isn’t me I don’t know what is 10:15

[@_beau.mont_4381]

Just this 12:45

[@joshuanesbit]

16:53 technically it was 2019 recording ;) must have been a pain syncing the music dubbed from the music playing in. Your headphones

[@MickeyJoTheatre]

Technically you are correct haha, it is branded and titled the 2020 live recording to coincide with its release. And it absolutely is a pain, it's why I often lip Sync the songs, to make matching the audio easier!

[@psygertygerart8754]

Oh my god mate. You are so fucking cute. 😍

[@patrickfridrichovsky3909]

A clown!

[@ilsaruthen5478]

Not sure why I came back to this, but I did. I didn't realize it before, but what is your problem with Michael Ball? He's had an amazing career and if, after 30 some years in the business, he isn't quite at the top of his game anymore why does that make him a target for snark? If you're a performer as well as a "critic" you'll be lucky to have half his success.

[@MickeyJoTheatre]

It's a fair question - I actually think he is still at the top of his game but sadly miscast here, I loved his Sweeney and Edna and his vocals on the original recordings of Les Mis and Aspects of Love are timelessly brilliant, but I dislike the changes that were made to Javert's music to accommodate his tendency to backphrase and reluctance to adhere to a written rhythm. The romantic, lyrical style that works for Marius feels very contradictory to me for Javert, just my opinion of course 😊

[@ilsaruthen5478]

@@MickeyJoTheatre Wish you had said that to begin with instead of mocking his voice. For someone who trained to act rather than sing, he's had a stunning career in musical theatre. I agree Javert is not the ideal role for him, but there are good reasons he was asked to do the part and good reasons why the audiences responded the way they did - and usually do. He always gives it his best shot and it shows. Have you ever seen his "Alone Together" concert at the Donmar? It's definitely different. I'd be interested in your opinion.

[@carriew5106]

I think the problem is that in such a strong cast, which Michael is already very well associated with, he stands out as not the right fit for Javert. I saw the concert live a couple of times and sadly his performance felt a bit overdone and forced. As though he was trying to hard to be seen as Javert and not his previous roles.

[@ilsaruthen5478]

@@carriew5106 Sadly. I wasn't lucky enough to see the concert live so I can't say if I agree with your critique of Michael's performance. I do, however, agree that Javert is not the ideal part for him.

[@carriew5106]

@@ilsaruthen5478 I really wanted to see it with John Owen-Jones, but my mum wanted to see Alfie Boe so we decided to see it twice! But seeing it twice meant we got to see Michael twice and the first time we put it down to an off performance. The second time was the same and his style choices weren't really suitable for Javert. It's just the wrong part for him. It might have passed in the stage version, but in the concert it is too obvious, especially with such a strong cast. And sadly I think his friendship with Alfie showed. The confrontation was much less impactful than normal.

[@jariah92005]

I wonder if you’d ever be interested in hearing past recordings of Les Miz. The 1988 Complete Symphonic Recording is not only comprised of the entire score, (the only other complete recording being the Czech Revival Recording) but it starred a cast of International performers from major productions. When I was in high school this recording was devastatingly worshipped as being Best in Class. Michael Ball was Marius. He might be the only cast member you’d know. Its worth a listen and Id love to hear your reaction!